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Keeping Anglican traditions alive
Concealed amidst the lush greenery near the AOC Military Hospital at Trimulgherry is the magnificent All Saints Church.
Trimulgherry: Concealed amidst the lush greenery near the AOC Military Hospital at Trimulgherry is the magnificent All Saints Church. Exuding an ancient charm of splendid gothic architecture, the 156-year-old church is one among the very few churches that still follows Anglican traditions that were passed over by the British as they left the country.
Exuding an ancient charm of splendid gothic architecture, the 156-year-old All Saints Church is one among the very few ones in the city that still follows Anglican traditions. The church caters to around 300 families of not only army officials but also civilians of Punjabi, Marathi and Telugu descents
The church that primarily served the British cantonment of Secunderabad in 1860 AD caters to around 300 families of not just the army officials living in the vicinity but also civilians of Punjabi, Marathi and Telugu descents. Wrapped in all its festive glory, the majestic building also caters to the largest number of Tamil Christians residing in the neighbourhood for offering prayers in their native language.
“Since we get devotees of different backgrounds, the church also runs English prayers in addition to the Tamil ones. But having said that the Christmas traditions of all the church members are the same,” explains Benny Samuel, manager of the church.
A 19ft tall fir erected within the premises, was considered to be among the largest trees in the twin cities a decade ago, yet decorated in beautiful bells, snowflakes, angel charms, stockings and wreathes it is undoubtedly is still one of the star attractions at the church. The serrated bell tower crowned by four stately spires look divine in the winter fog thereby giving the Christmassy feel.
“December marks beginning of the ‘Advent’ season in our community. We get together and make merry, but we also consider the festival as a reminder that Jesus Christ was born 2017 years ago to wash away our sins and sacrificed his life for our greater good,” says Michael, a church committee member.
On Christmas Eve, a special service known as the Holy Communion is offered in English for over 800 devotees. Children of the Sunday School belonging to the church take an active part in the celebrations. Around 95 children of the school sing along with several devotees sing carols containing the essence of Christmas in areas like Safilguda, Malkajgiri, Sainikpuri etc where their members live.
The beauty of the church comes to limelight when the choir follows the traditional songs that are sung during this special season which grabs the attention of thousands who worship in the church. The calm atmosphere around the surroundings of the church denotes brotherhood among the devotees who pary at the church.
By Maitreyi Tadepalli
